Monkey Tail Cactus

Overview

The monkey tail cactus grows long, trailing, furry white stems that spill over the pot edge like a bundle of shaggy animal tails - then shocks everyone with bright scarlet flowers along them. Dramatic in a hanging pot and easier than it looks, it is one of the most striking trailing cacti you can grow.

Origin & Natural Habitat

Cleistocactus colademononis (the name literally means 'monkey's tail') grows on steep cliffs in the mountains of Bolivia, hanging from rock faces - which is why it trails so naturally from a basket.

Appearance

Soft, rope-like stems clothed in long, hair-like white spines, first upright then trailing to a metre or more, like shaggy white tails. Vivid scarlet flowers appear along the stems in spring and summer on established plants.

Why People Love It - Qualities & Benefits

People love the spectacle - the furry white tails, the length they reach, and the scarlet flowers against them. It is a guaranteed conversation piece in a hanging pot and surprisingly undemanding.

Care

Light

Bright light with some direct sun keeps the tails dense and furry and drives flowering - near a sunny window or hanging in a bright porch. Shade thins the coat and stretches the stems.

Watering

Water when the soil has dried out - slightly more generous than a desert cactus in summer, reflecting its cliff home, but never soggy. Keep much drier in a cool winter rest, which encourages the flowers.

Soil & Potting

A gritty, free-draining cactus mix in a hanging pot or basket with drainage. Good drainage protects the fleshy stems.

Humidity & Temperature

Tolerates ordinary room air well. Keep it above about 8-10°C, with a cooler, drier winter rest for bloom. Good airflow suits its cliff-hanging nature.

Feeding

A dilute cactus feed monthly through the growing season supports the long stems and flowering.

Repotting

Repot every couple of years in spring, handling the long tails gently - drape them over your arm or a towel. The hair-like spines are softer than they look but can still prickle.

Propagation

Easy from stem cuttings: cut a length of tail, callus it for a week, and lay or plant it in gritty mix to root. Whole detached tails root too.

Common Problems & Pests

Overwatering rot is the main danger. Mealybugs can hide in the fur. Thin, sparse coats and no flowers mean too little light. Long tails are brittle at the joints - site the pot where it won't be knocked.

Toxicity & Safety

The monkey tail cactus is not toxic to people or pets, and its long white spines are relatively soft, but handle with care and keep the tempting dangling tails out of reach of playful cats.

Pros & Cons

Pros: spectacular furry trailing stems, scarlet flowers, easier than it looks, great in hanging pots. Cons: tails snap if knocked, needs bright light for a dense coat, rots if kept wet.

Best Suited For

A show-stopper for a bright spot with room to hang - perfect for anyone who wants a cactus nobody else on the street has.

FAQ

How long do the tails get? A metre or more with age - give it hanging room.

Are the white hairs sharp? They're relatively soft for a cactus but can still prickle - handle gently.